PennDOT is announcing overnight closures on I-376 (Parkway West) from I-79 to the Greentree Exit beginning Thursday night, October 2, 2014. PennDOT will alternate closing the east and westbound directions of the Parkway each night (except Sundays) until Phase I is complete (Mid-October). PLEASE NOTE: During the weekend closures (Friday & Saturday), the Parkway will not reopen until 10:00 a.m.

Due to significant safety issues in the work zone including several serious crashes, numerous close calls and one worker being struck by a motorist; PennDOT determined overnight closures of I-376 was the best course of action to keep motorists and construction crews safe.

"While we intended to perform this phase of work with single lane overnight restrictions, the work zone proved too difficult for some drivers to navigate creating safety concerns for other motorists and our workers,” said District Executive Dan Cessna. "We realize these limited overnight closures will cause major inconvenience for motorists and residents, but in the overall interest of safety, we made this decision."

Much of this traffic will be detoured through Carnegie. There has been no decision as to whether or not PennDOT will continue these closures in Phase II (Mid-October until December 2014). Although, PennDOT has noted both off-ramps from the Parkway into Carnegie will be closed during Phase II. Below is the closure schedule from PennDOT and the proposed detour routes:

OUTBOUND (West to Airport)

· Monday and Wednesday nights from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

· Friday nights from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.

INBOUND (East to Pittsburgh)

· Tuesday and Thursday nights from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

· Saturday nights from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.

No overnight closures will occur on Sunday nights.

Signs will be posted to guide motorists. The posted detour routes will require motorists to form a single lane on I-376 when exiting. Significant delays should be expected and alternate routes considered.